Allen rounding into form as season ends

Friday

PHILADELPHIA — With one game left in the 2011 NFL season, Nate Allen finally feels close to 100 percent.

The Eagles’ second-year free safety is a full year removed from the torn patellar tendon he suffered last Dec. 19 against the Giants.

“As the season went on, I started getting more and more confidence in my knee,” Allen said after Thursday’s first workout at the NovaCare Complex. “I knew coming into the season it was something that was going to take some time.”

Allen, the team’s second-round pick in 2010, played in but didn’t start the first three games. He started the last 11 in which he’s played, only missing the home loss to Arizona with a concussion.

Allen has 47 tackles this season, including a career-high 13 at Buffalo on Oct. 9, and an interception against Washington’s Rex Grossman on Oct. 16.

Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo said he realized Allen was all the way back when Allen instinctively broke on a ball in last week’s win at Dallas.

“I looked at that and said, ‘Nate is ready to go,’ “ Castillo said. “Nate’s going to be a Pro Bowler one day.”

Allen has had to overcome not having a full offseason in either of the last two years — first because he was a rookie and last year due to the knee injury and lockout. That shouldn’t be the case after Sunday’s finale against the Redskins.

“I think that’s big for us as a defense and team,” Allen said.

Not biting

Castillo, the embattled “D” coordinator, declined to answer if he expects to be back in that capacity next season. He said he’s solely concentrating on preparing to face the Redskins on Sunday.

There are conflicting reports about Steve Spagnuolo, the current Rams head coach and former Eagles assistant, possibly replacing Castillo in 2012.

About the QB

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Thursday that Michael Vick “had a fine year, with the exception of the interceptions. He puts himself in too many risky situations.”

Vick pointed out that he has less than 100 yards rushing in the last three games (actually 51) since missing three with cracked ribs.

“I’m not running the ball as much and getting the ball out of my hands,” Vick said. “Ever since I’ve come back, I’ve been real cautious. You’ve just got to be smart.”

Later, Vick insisted he’ll “always play on the edge — that’ll never change. ‘Til the day I retire, I’m going to play aggressive.”

Injuries have prevented Vick, the league’s all-time leading rusher for a quarterback (5,216 yards), from playing in all 16 games all but once (2006, when he ran for a career-high 1,039 yards) during nine NFL seasons.

“Even if I had no rushing yards, I’d be OK (with it if I could get through all 16 games),” Vick said. “What matters the most is winning.”

Home not sweet

The Eagles are 2-5 at home. They finished 5-3 on the road.

A win Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field would match their worst home record since 1998, which was Ray Rhodes’ last season. A loss would mean the worst record since 1983, when they went 1-7 under Marion Campbell.

McCoy to play?

Running back LeSean McCoy (ankle), who was a limited participant Thursday after sitting out Wednesday, said he expects to play Sunday.

McCoy is second in the NFL with 1,309 rushing yards. He trails the Jaguars’ Maurice Jones-Drew (1,437) by 128 yards. Jacksonville finishes with the 2-13 Colts.

“I would say I can get it, but it depends on what he does,” said McCoy, smiling.

Hopkins feted

Former All-Pro safety Wes Hopkins will be the Eagles’ honorary alumni captain for Sunday’s game against the Redskins.

Hopkins was the team MVP in 1985, when he had six interceptions, one touchdown return and two sacks. He also earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors that year.

Injury update

Cornerback Asante Samuel (hamstring) didn’t practice Thursday and is unlikely to play Sunday. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will fill in for him.

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